In this adapation from her new book, "Simple Skin Beauty", Ellen Marmur MD, clears up some common complexion misconceptions
1. Only a Spa facial will deep clean your pores
I hate to be a spoilsport, but deep cleaning is a myth, and facials are completely unnecessary, although they are wonderfully luxurious. If they’re enjoyable and make you feel better about how you look, they could be worth the time and money, but they are not directly medicinal. As for extractions, they are tricky and superfluous and can even be unsafe. Although extractions seem to miraculously (but some-times painfully) take away the gunk in your pores, it’s basically a manual form of ex-foliation (removing the ker-atin plugs from your pores). Plus, putting so much pressure on the pore can push oil and be-nign bacteria so far down into the skin that they burst out the bottom into your skin tissue. This rupture can cause inflammation and may ultimately leave a scar or a cyst, especially if your skin is dark.
2. Wearing foundation with sunscreen will protect you from UV rays
Applying makeup that contains SPF is better than no protection at all, but it’s not as effective as wearing a facial lotion with sunscreen. Why? Most of us desire a natural, less-is-more look with our makeup, but less is not more when it comes to sun protection. Unless your makeup is spackled on, you’re not getting enough protection from it. It’s betterto think of SPF makeup assomething you apply over your daily sun-screen or moisturizer to boost UV pro-tection. Likewise, using a mineral powder foundation, which usually contains the sun block titanium dioxide, isn’t enough on its own, but it’s a brilliant way to re-apply sunscreen during the day and touch up your makeup at the same time.
3. For radiant skin, an at-home mask must be part of your regimen
Masks feel rejuvenating, and I relish the thought of putting one on and relaxing in front of the TV. Of course, the odds of that happening (with four kids, a crazy schedule and a husband who would laugh himself silly at seeing me covered in blue or green gook) are slim to none. But so are the chances that a mask—whether it’s one that moisturizes or a clay mask in-tended to soak up oil—can do something really transformative or long-lasting to my skin. Can a mask super-moisturize your face and seal in the hydration? Yes, but only until the mask is rinsed off. The truth is, a mask is like lip balm for your face: an occlusive film over the surface that provides a nice, temporary fix.
4. Natural or Organic Ingredients are safer for your skin.
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